For our clients, we are looking for an experienced and mature couple who will live and work on a private estate of approximately 300 hectares.
The couple will be responsible for the housekeeping of the castle and will also assist with the maintenance of the gardens and park. The historic castle, dating back to the 14th century, is located in the province of Utrecht. Our clients are a private family who have lived on the estate for several generations.
The couple will live in a staff house situated next to the castle. It is a house with three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and terrace offering sufficient privacy. The house has central heating and a large fireplace. It is not a modern house, but it is well maintained and in good condition. A private car can be parked under a private carport and there is an additional secure garage for storing personal belongings.
Reason for the vacancy:
The position has become available because the current couple, who have worked for the family for many years, have accepted a position elsewhere.
What are we looking for?
The couple will have different responsibilities throughout the day.
In the morning
The couple will work together in the castle, taking care of the household.
Responsibilities include:
- cleaning and maintaining the house to a high standard;
- polishing silver and copper;
- polishing and waxing floors using a polishing machine;
- cleaning windows;
- laundry and ironing.
In the afternoon
One member of the couple will continue working in the castle as a housekeeper.
The other will work in the gardens and park, together with the estate’s full-time gardener.
Responsibilities will also include maintaining the swimming pool.
Cooking
Our clients would very much appreciate it if one member of the couple could cook dinner three evenings a week, approximately between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM. The family will do the grocery shopping themselves.
The person responsible for cooking will also be expected to set the table, serve dinner and clear the table afterwards.
The cooking does not need to be at Michelin-star level. Good, enjoyable home cooking is what is required.
Working hours
Our clients are ideally looking for a couple who will both work full-time. Part-time arrangements may be discussed.
Working hours will be agreed in consultation with the family and will, in principle, be from Monday to Friday.
Occasionally, the couple may be asked to work during the weekend. These hours will be compensated with time off.
Our clients would also occasionally like to be driven, so at least one valid driving licence is required.
Living on the estate
The estate offers a serene and peaceful environment. The couple will live and work surrounded by nature and should genuinely enjoy this way of life. The nearest village is approximately 3.5 kilometres away.
Bringing children may be discussed.
The family has a dog. If the couple is willing to look after the dog occasionally, this would be greatly appreciated. It is therefore important that the couple genuinely likes animals and dogs.
Working environment
The working environment can best be described as formal and, in certain respects, traditional, while always based on mutual respect.
The couple should feel comfortable working in this type of environment and understand the discretion and standards expected when working for a private family.
Key qualities are:
- reliability;
- discretion;
- good manners;
- a good sense of proportion;
- a service-oriented attitude;
- flexibility;
- proactivity and initiative;
- a positive and cheerful attitude;
- the ability to work independently;
- good communication skills.
The couple should preferably speak Dutch or English.
Our clients have explicitly stated that they want the relationship with the couple to be respectful, pleasant and long-term.
Which profiles are we looking for?
We are looking for an experienced and mature couple in a demonstrably stable relationship who feel at home in this particular setting. The couple should have experience maintaining and cleaning a large private residence to a high standard.
Preferably, one member of the couple is technically skilled and enjoys practical work in the gardens and park. One member of the couple should also enjoy cooking.
Because of the physical nature of some of the work, both candidates should be in good health and physically fit.
Our clients are open to married couples as well as other combinations, provided the relationship is demonstrably stable.
At least two references will be requested for each candidate.
Additional information
- The preferred starting date is as soon as possible.
- The staff house is immediately available.
- Our clients are looking for a long-term working relationship.
- The couple will largely be expected to organise their own work, in consultation with the family.
- The couple must therefore be comfortable working independently and taking responsibility.
- Our clients are experienced in employing private household staff.
- The identity of the clients and the estate will remain confidential during the initial stages of the recruitment process.
Employment conditions
Both members of the couple will receive an official employment contract under Dutch law.
The salary indication is €2,750 gross per person per month.
The rent for the staff accommodation is 18% of one of the gross monthly salaries. Gas, electricity and water will be paid by the couple.
Further details will be discussed at a later stage.
Recruitment process
The recruitment process will consist of:
- publication of the anonymous vacancy and distribution within our network;
- first telephone interview with Paul Braun;
- second interview via Zoom, Teams or FaceTime;
- where possible, a personal meeting with Paul Braun;
- reference checks and Certificates of Good Conduct;
- introduction of suitable candidates to our clients;
- first meeting with the clients at the office of Braun Family Recruitment;
- second meeting with the clients at the estate;
- two trial working days;
- discussion of the employment conditions.
Interested?
If this vacancy appeals to you and you believe that you fit the profile, we would be pleased to receive a short and concise written application. We will then contact you by telephone.
Your application can be sent to paul.braun@braunfamilyrecruitment.nl.
For questions, Paul Braun can be reached during office hours on +31 6 422 470 59.
The identity of our clients and the estate will remain confidential during the initial recruitment process.
